Arizona Outdoorsman

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Bowhunter Happening in Williams, AZ

AZOD News

Williams, AZ ... I remember spending a lot of time as a child here, it being the birthplace of my father and hometown of my grandparents. We would spend weekends and summers in what I have always thought of as God’s country. With three lakes within walking distance, tall ponderosa pines and all the hunting a young man could do, I never thought there could be a better place on earth. Then I got older, work hours got longer, responsibilities got more prevalent and then the weekends in Williams seem to get to be fewer and further away.

Then in 2003 I heard that the largest bowhunter event of the year was moving to Williams. This main street town in northern Arizona that is still reminiscent of everything that was great in the era of Route 66 could not be more perfect for the Bowhunter Happening and the finale of the Arizona Triple Crown. After last year’s Bowhunter Happening was canceled due to forest closures, the ABA and the city of Williams came to agreements that made it a guarantee, it would happen even if there were closures.

Then the day came July 25 and the city of Williams welcomed the ABA and the bowhunters as if we were long lost friends. The restaurants, hotels and stores were remarkable, no matter where you went you were met with a smile, a hello and how can I help you? I even had the mayor himself walk up to me and ask what I thought of the event and if I was enjoying myself. It was people living at a different pace of life.

The competition was held in the same outstanding fashion, very organized and the courses were some of the most challenging that competitors have seen in some time and the scores showed it. The best shooters in the state, and after the first day, a score of even seemed to be remarkable, but that didn't stop the archers from looking forward to the next day and the final round. It was all people were talking about as they walked through a long line up of vendor booths. What did you score? How did you shoot? These were the questions people were asking while I was running the booth for Modern Call Products and Harmon Scent Products. Talk on the streets of this town changed from the majesty of the Grand Canyon to what was the high score in the first round. At Cruisers, several shooters with their families enjoyed the food and conversation amongst the historical memorabilia that made the phrase "get your kicks" possible. This event made family and friends enthused with sites to see and places to go after the shoot was over for the day.

The monsoon showers on Saturday and Sunday afternoons didn't seem to upset anyone even though they caused a bit of a scramble during the award ceremony on Sunday. After all was said and done the ABA and the city of Williams considered the event a success and I along with the ABA and the city of Williams are looking forward to its return next year.

Pictures of awards

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